Corey Pickett: Blank Cartridge

Reception: July 8, 6:00 to 8:00 pm.m
Blank Cartridge is an exhibition of provocative new sculptures by Clovis based-artist Corey Pickett. This series of artworks serves as an appeal for “common-sense” gun laws and the re-evaluation of current gun legislation.

Pickett is concerned with the enormous amount of gun violence that takes place on a daily basis and, as a black man, he has a level of fear that is predicated on the current socio-political climate of America and the nation’s gun laws. The premise of his work is to initiate dialogue among the many perspectives related to gun rights with the hope that a reasonable mediation can be reached. His guns are surrogates for the real thing.

“Initially these objects were in response to gun violence towards African-Americans; however, my work has expanded to gun violence against all humans. My goal is for my practice to be a medium of activism through interdisciplinary methods and community collaborations,” says Pickett. “My practice has extended to the community through neighborhood art camps and community art projects. This community participation along with my reimagined ready-mades is an attempt to bring about cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural awareness. I’m convinced that people are more receptive to new and alternative theories concerning social change when they are comfortable and less threatened.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST
In addition to being a working artist, Pickett is currently Director of The Jaye Rock Cultural Center in Clovis, NM, which he also founded. He received his Master of Education in 2008 and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2000 from Eastern New Mexico University. He will receive his MFA in 2017 from the Vermont College of Fine Art, Vermont. He has exhibited his work in cities throughout the US and is a recipient of the International Sculpture Center’s 2017 Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award.

Central Features Contemporary Art